Karyme: The Perfect LoveChapter 25: Bloodshed In the Wind
Author Notes: Hello once again and sorry for the long pauses between updates. As you all know, life can be a bitch or a beach, whichever it feels like at the moment. Too much shit to deal with right now and as a result, my writing has of course suffered. I won't elaborate much more than that in fear of boring you and scaring my faithful readers off. I will say however, that this story is winding down to a conclusion shortly and I'm going to space out updates. There can be two options and I'd like to hear from ALL of my readers (yes including anonymous readers (P.S. get an account so I can reply to your reviews!)) on which option each one of you would prefer. I'll explain more in the end notes of this chapter, so make sure you read them! Anywho, on to business, this chapter is one of my favorites so far and definitely a lot of important events take place, even though they are subtle. Not much action, but very important nonetheless. I'm ranting like usual, so let's go. I only own my OC's, everything else belongs to GameFreak and Nintendo. Enjoy!
P.S. The start of this chapter takes place at the same time last chapter started.
Recap: Kain finds his friend's hideout, Kain chases down Era and does something unforgiveable, Kain and Black Fang get lost in the woods, Raleigh finds them and convinces Kain to join Malak, Black Fang is brutally attacked and injured, Kain goes back for his friend and fights Raleigh, Kain carries Black Fang's body to find help.
Alex I woke to the smell of breakfast the next morning. For a second, I felt like I was at home, until I opened my eyes and felt the strangeness of the bed and the foreign paint of the ceiling that made me realize I was not in my room, but Kurt's guest room. I rolled out of the bed to see that I was the last to rise, besides Drake. Wow even Kain had woken up before I had. I made my way down the stairs and the first thing I saw was Mytka in Kurt's kitchen, busying herself with breakfast. Luna was behind her trying to pry her away from it.
"Mytka dear, please go and sit down. I'm all right with making breakfast, you should go relax," Luna said.
"Mom, I already told you, I'm already doing it and more importantly I want to finish making breakfast. You make breakfast every morning, you go sit down and relax. I'll be all right mom," Mytka replied, turning her head and smiling warmly at her mother.
"You're such an angel," Luna said, placing her paw on Mytka's cheek and smiling back. "Good morning Alex," she added without turning around. I jumped as she addressed me. I didn't think she knew I was there.
"You know, I really hate it when you do that, it creeps me out," I said moving over to sit on the couch with Karyme. She was gazing out the window at the city, bathed in light by the rising sun. She turned her head to look at me as I approached and she smiled joyfully, her tail actually wagging a little. I sat down next to her and returned her smile.
"Aura reveals everything," Luna said coming over to sit with us. She sat down on the loveseat across from Karyme and me, folding her paws in her lap.
"Kurt wanted me to tell you to make yourself at home," Luna said. "I woke up early, just in time to catch him going out the door. Oh and Ryo had decided to accompany him. Kurt had mentioned something about training and Ryo had seemed very interested." I nodded. "So have you girls seen Kain anyway?" I asked. Luna shook her head, Karyme's smile faded slightly and Mytka turned her head around to look at me, shrugging her shoulders. I sighed. When will he turn around and be the cute little pup we used to have running around? At that moment, Mytka announced that breakfast was ready, so I pushed the thought to the back of my head and stood up off of the couch…
… A large darkened cavern unfurled, filled with obedient servants, before a master's eyes. It was the daily meal for the hungry servants. There were Pokemon fighting over chunks of meat and bone. Some were quietly eating what portion of food they did have, eyeing the others around them for potential food stealers. A few had enough food for themselves, but they were sharing what little they had with other weaker Pokemon who couldn't fight for their own food. The master looked down on these servants with cold, hateful eyes. He did not approve of weaklings. As thoughts of punishing the Pokemon who shared their food floated through his head, a Floatzel approached the master. His footsteps were slow, filled with caution and fear, trying to display his respect.
"Master Malak," the Floatzel said with a small bow as an announcement that he was there.
"Ah yes, perfect timing Blake," Malak said, looking at the Floatzel with a single eye, his back still turned to him.
"Master Raleigh has departed and Emily, the human is awaiting orders."
"Good," Malak said, turning around and walking through the narrow cavern. The Floatzel followed. "She shall be one of the only humans that are somewhat useful to me."
They traveled deeper and deeper into the mountain. Pokemon they passed bowed deeply and murmured 'Master Malak' as the two passed them each. Soon they were in a level of the mountain that was the deepest and coldest. They entered a chamber where screams could be heard echoing from within its depths. Upon entering, they could see many Pokemon shackled to the outer walls by Psychic energy. In the center of the room, was a very flat rock, coated a deep red from blood. An Ursaring was chained down on his back on the table while a strange looking Gardevoir stood over him. His skin was red as was his hair. His long dress that flowed around him was a pale white spotted with blood. His lower jaw was completely missing, and in place was a strange metal prosthetic one. He drew a single finger over the Ursaring's stomach cutting the skin and searing the flesh it passed over. The Ursaring screamed as he watched his belly being cut open.
"You'll think twice before crossing Malak now won't you," he muttered quietly as he worked. "Won't be disobedient anymore, huh?" With his other hand he made a large metal poker fly into his open palm. It began to glow red hot from his Psychic powers. Pointing the tip at the incision, he slowly slid in the searing hot metal into his stomach. "Slowly and carefully… don't want to puncture any organs… must keep you alive… must feel the pain." The Ursaring roared out in agony from the intense burning from inside of himself. He struggled against the binds that held his ankles and wrists. "Well you can't squirm, gonna puncture something now," The Gardevoir muttered quietly. "Better stop squirming or it'll be the end of you," he muttered, his eyes growing wide in annoyance. The Ursaring shook violently, blood starting to pour from his open mouth. "Well that would be your lung then," he said, looking at the Ursaring's face. "No worries, plenty more victims here…" The Gardevoir yanked the poker out of the Ursaring's stomach, bringing it up over his head. He plunged the poker down into the Ursaring's chest, sinking the hot blade all the way through his body. The large Ursaring was already dead from the metal poker stabbing through his lung and drowning in his own blood. The Gardevoir left the object lodged in the Ursaring's chest and walked over to Malak and Blake and bent down on one knee in front of Malak.
"Master, how may I serve you?" The Gardevoir asked respectfully.
"Well Nihilus, I see you made short work of that traitor," Malak said, nodding towards the dead Ursaring.
"Yes, he wouldn't renounce his ways and follow your leadership, he had to be… persuaded."
"It is obsolete now. I'm looking for that Umbreon, where is he?" Nihilus raised a thin, deathly white finger and pointed to an Umbreon that was shackled to the walls. His eyes were the only thing different from a normal Umbreon. They were a gorgeous emerald green color, but they were very calm despite himself being chained to the wall, seeing a Pokemon murdered before his eyes, and being requested by the most vicious and evil Pokemon to walk this Earth. "Bring him to me," Malak said. The Gardevoir waved his hand from where he knelt, freeing the Umbreon from his binds and levitated the weak body over to beside Nihilus. He used his psychic powers, forcing the Umbreon's face to the ground in a bow. "So Reive, I have decided to give you a second chance, a luxury I rarely give. You can redeem yourself and achieve pride and glory. This isn't an offer it is an order. If you refuse I can promise you that Nihilus here can do much more painful things to you. Am I clear?" Reive looked up at Malak with disdain written on his face.
"Yes Master Malak," the small Umbreon said.
"Good, you'll have accompaniment on your mission, follow me." Reive reluctantly followed Malak and Blake from the room. They walked a little further down the cavern until they came to a large room with two Machoke guarding it. They stood at attention as Malak approached and both said "Welcome, Master Malak," simultaneously. The room was full of beaten Pokemon who have not yet learned obedience, some lying dead from their brutal punishments. Some Pokemon were deposited in the corner of the room after being victims of Nihilus's torturing. Two prisoners stood out however. They were human and isolated from the rest of the captives. Their clothes had been completely removed from them. Malak liked how humans felt ashamed if they aren't wearing any cloth garments in front of others. He absolutely loved this. It taught the humans their place compared to Pokemon. Malak approached the both of them. He saw his first human prisoner, the one with the blue hair looking at him fearfully. She was his communicator with the other humans. Malak saw that she was curled up on the fur mat she had been given. Malak had ordered that the humans have something to keep them warm because of their lack of fur. Not out of kindness, but because they would freeze to death. He provided only enough to keep them alive, not to get comfortable, whether it was warmth or food. The other human was new. She had sought out Malak to help him. She was particularly adept in her powers. She had psychic abilities hardly any human had. She had pledged herself and her powers to his cause. Yes, she would be the most useful. As Malak stopped before them, the two girls looked up at him. The blue-haired human, fearfully and the other human, eagerly. The two Machoke grabbed the humans by an arm and forced them forward, onto their knees at Malak's feet. "You," Malak said, nodding at the new human. "You will travel to the human city with Reive here and seek out the human called 'Alex'. If possible, you will try and bring him to me. If you refuse or try and flee you shall be killed. Are you clear on your orders?"
"Yes Master Malak," the girl said. "Thank you. Thank you for letting me serve you." She crawled forward and leaned down to kiss his forepaws. She was met with a slash across the face.
"You dare touch me?" Malak roared. "Filthy humans. Your skin and flesh is barely worth being in my presence! If you dare approach me again without my permission, it shall be your neck!" The girl submissively bowed before him in apology. Malak grinned evilly at the two humans. "Now, since I am here, how about you pathetic humans make yourselves useful to me." They both knew what he was talking about. The girl before Malak turned around on her knees and bent over, presenting herself to Malak. The other blue-haired girl whimpered.
"Please, I'll do anything but that," she said in a small and scared voice. A strong open hand from one of the Machokes struck her across the face. Malak smiled at her with his evil smile as he mounted the other girl.
"Quiet, human. You're next," he said as he pushed into the other girl.
"It is an honor Master," the girl said from beneath Malak. Her breasts swung back and forth from Malak's hard thrusts. The blue-haired human started sobbing. Why was this happening to her, she thought…
Alex
I walked the empty streets with Karyme beside me as if she were my shadow. Mytka, Drake and Luna, walked ahead of us, chatting about the training grounds we were going to check out. According to what I picked up from the others, the park in the center of the city used to be a recreational area for everyone, before Malak took over. Now however, it was being used as the training grounds for the Sinnoh Resistance. There were specific Pokemon that trained other Pokemon of the same type on their attacks. For the humans, there were weights, obstacle courses to test agility and weapon trainers to help with your weapon skills. They discontinued their firing range to train firearm skills, to help conserve their already low ammunition reserves.
Upon entering the park, it was exactly how I imagined it. There were groups of Pokemon scattered throughout the park. Fighting, Psychic, Fire, Electric, Water, Grass, Dark, Flying, Rock, Ground, Steel, Bug, Normal, Ghost and other types were grouped together. One leader could be spotted amongst each group, teaching the others to hone their elemental attacks. Mytka looked around in awe at all of the battling Pokemon.
As we walked through, a man walked up to greet us. He looked like he had an inch on me and was much more buff than I was. He had some scars running down his arms, but other than that he looked flawless. He smiled at us with a warm and toothy smile, looking happy to see new faces. He wore cargo pants, held up with a large belt. His torso was covered with just a vest jacket with many pockets on the front, exposing the middle of his chest. Overall he looked like a strong man with confidence, but with a compassionate side.
"Well hey there!" he said. I shook one of his large hands as he extended it to me. "You must be Alex, I heard you might be coming down today. My name is John and I'd like to welcome you to my training center."
"It's a great setup here," I said in amazement. John's smile returned.
"Come on, I'll show you around the place." The first thing he showed to us was the Pokemon training circles. We walked up to a large group of fighting Pokemon led by a very strong Lucario.
"Sara!" John called out to the Lucario. She looked over at John and smiled.
"Continue!" Sara shouted to the group of fighting Pokemon practicing their various Fighting moves. Sara walked up to John and gave him a loving hug.
"This is Sara, the most special thing in my life." Sara smiled at him and placed her paw on his arm.
"What he means to say is, my name is Sara and the two of us are together, partners." I grinned at them, Karyme looking up at me and smiling. Luna walked up to the front of the group.
"Hello, I am Luna," she said somewhat nervously. "I would love to join in on your training program," Luna said to Sara. Sara looked Luna up and down.
"We train hard," she said. "Are you up for it?" Luna nodded.
"Yes, I am ready to train," Luna said determined.
"Well come on then," Sara said, leading Luna over to the group. Luna looked back at Mytka and motioned for her to follow. Mytka shook her head. Mytka didn't want to train? I couldn't ponder anymore on it as we moved on. We stopped at almost every Pokemon group. Drake left to train his fire attacks. I thought Karyme would follow him, however, she said she really wanted to work on her dark attacks. By the time we had come back to where we started, we had met all of John's Pokemon. Jessica, a very stunning Gardevoir, led the psychic group along with her mate Albert. He was a very intelligent Alakazam. He seemed a bit quirky at times, answering us in short sentences and muttering to himself occasionally as he thought, but he seemed really polite. Lily was a very beautiful Milotic and she was helping out the Water Pokemon. She seemed a lot like Luna, very caring and gentle. In contrast to her, we met John's final Pokemon Drakon. He was a very strong and proud Dragonite that led the Dragon group. He was an ideal leader for them. However as opposites attract, Lily and Drakon were mates as well, it sort of reminded me of Drake and Luna a bit.
John stopped in front of the human training grounds. I noticed that Mytka was still following us quietly. John seemed to notice this as well.
"Well, what's wrong Miss Mytka? Didn't any of the training groups interest you at all? Didn't you want to train alongside your mother?" Mytka looked up at John nervously.
"Yes I would, but I was really hoping to train more of my Aura powers." John held up a hand to stop her.
"Say no more Mytka, I have just the solution." John called Sara over again. Sara left a Hariyama in charge as she walked over. "You see we don't have many Lucario here in Hearthome, otherwise we would have a group just for Aura training. Sara here is very adept in her Aura powers and she teaches individually."
"What's this about Aura?" Sara asked as she finally walked up behind John.
"Mytka would like to train her Aura." Sara grinned.
"I asked your mother if she would like to train her Aura as well, but she was content with just fighting moves." Mytka walked over to her looking excited. For a brief second I saw Mytka as a little bouncy Riolu again. She sure did grow up fast. "I was hoping to have another Lucario to teach." The two walked off and I turned to John.
"Well, whaddayuh' got for me?" I asked. John laughed and led me into the training grounds.
"Anything you'd like to use you can," he said cheerily. I looked around and saw humans working with weights, sparring with each other, practicing take down maneuvers and so much more. It wasn't only humans though, there were Pokemon scattered here and there building up their basic skills as well. I was glad to see in these dark times, everyone single person was training to be able to combat the evil that Malak was trying to spread across Sinnoh. It showed signs of hope.
The day went by fast. We all trained hard and it was even a lot of fun. John laughed, not believing me when I told him my only weapon was a knife. He told me I should try out some other weapons. He let me try out short-sword training with a Scyther. I tried out a small one-handed axe, but it felt too barbaric. He showed me throwing knives, but I wasn't coordinated enough for that. I also failed at long range weaponry, missing the target by five feet with the crossbow. With the rifle, it was a different story. I actually hit the target, but it was on the outer rings. It was also after I forgot to cock it and then again I forgot the safety was still on. All in all, my knife felt that much more special to me. Tomorrow I would just train with my knife. Just before we left, we heard that Luna had a small accident, resulting in a bruised paw. So we walked back up the streets towards the Pokemon center so we could get Luna some help. Drake was carrying her in his arms as she was in no shape to walk. Karyme headed home with Mytka and Ryo to greet Kurt and make up a soft bed for Luna. I thought of Kain as I looked up at the darkening sky. The sun had set already, leaving the sky a deep shade of purple, but not quite yet black. Where did he run off to today? He was probably with his friends. Ah well, I just hope he's all right, wherever he is. The cool evening breeze played across my face as we walked. It was so relaxing and calm to walk along the empty streets at twilight. I was wearing a t-shirt and my hands were buried in my pockets of my shorts as we strolled down the sidewalk. Drake and Luna were beside me as the Pokemon center came into sight. Luna sighed.
"I remember the first time you carried me in your arms," Luna said dreamily as she snuggled her head into Drake's chest. "I was injured then too, remember?" Drake smiled.
"How come you never carry me in your arms? I wanna be the damsel in distress!" Drake and I laughed hysterically. Luna smiled and punched him playfully for ruining their moment.
We walked into the Pokemon Center, a refreshing blast of cold air meeting us. I guess the Pokemon Center was really the only air conditioned building in Hearthome. Probably to keep the patients comfortable and calm, to prevent bacteria growth, or to prevent people from sweating and contaminating the place. Nurse Joy greeted us, less cheerily than usual, but with the same effort. Her hair which was usually pulled up all nice and cute was dishelved and messy. There were bags under her eyes and her eyelids were heavy-lidded from lack of sleep. With the constant fighting going on, I guess she has a lot of patients to keep her busy.
"Hello, what can we help you with this evening?" Nurse Joy asked. Drake stepped up to her, Luna still in his arms.
"I bruised my paw pretty badly during training earlier today," Luna said, showing her her paw.
"All right, it doesn't look like anything serious, but let's go take a look at it just to be safe shall we?" Nurse Joy replied smiling. She helped Luna into the medical room leaving Drake and I standing there. We walked over to the lounge area and Drake collapsed on the couch. Drake groaned loudly as he settled into the cushions.
"Ahh, yeah… That really hits the spot." I kicked up my feet on the couch across from him. I was beat as well. My muscles felt really sore after lifting the weights. I guess I haven't really exercised since I left home for the first ti- I stopped… I remembered leaving home for the first time with Jade. It seemed so long ago, but her face was still fresh in my mind… I missed her… She was my very best friend. My only friend really. I never really talked to anyone in school, only Jade and my close group of friends. I looked up at the ceiling, still lost in my thoughts. I wish she were here with us right now. I was distracted by the door of the Pokemon Center opening with a ding. A Houndoom strolled through the doorway. A Houndoom? I haven't seen another Houndoom since I started my journey apart from Karyme. My mind flashed back to when I was little. My mother telling me all of the stories of evil and frightening tales of how evil and wicked Houndoom are. They scared me as a child, but I outgrew it after a couple years. The stories never left my mind though, sticking with me to this day. I was a little more cautious towards them though. I thought back to that first night I met Karyme. I was so scared of her, but after talking and getting to know her I felt a large unexplainable attraction to her. She didn't seem evil at all to me, nothing how my mother made Houndoom sound. I started wondering if Karyme was so nice because of her wonderful personality and if all Houndoom really were evil… I looked over the back of the couch again at the Houndoom. He looked around the Center impatiently. Behind him, more Pokemon entered through the doors. A Glaceon, and an odd looking Umbreon that was shaded red. Another Umbreon and Glaceon walked in as a pair and tagging along behind them was a very small Eevee. They came up behind the Houndoom and looked around as well.
"Hello?" the Glaceon, standing next to the red Umbreon shouted. "We need help here!" I looked at the Houndoom again and noticed a small bundle on his back. It looked like a Pokemon… A badly hurt Pokemon! It was unmoving, letting off a foul smell of burned flesh and singed fur. Its fur was charred on the ends and its skin looked even more burnt. I heard footsteps running down the hallway almost instantly. Nurse Joy burst through the double doors with a worried face. She took one look at the Pokemon on the Houndoom's back and gasped.
"We need to get him to the O R quickly! Please, do you have a Hearthome ID tag or number?" The Pokemon looked between each other, confused. "I can't provide care unless you do." They looked up at her, still confused as to what she meant. "Did any of your trainers give you ID collars?" Nurse Joy looked like she was on the brink of tears as no one answered. "I-I'm sorry. But I can't help you, our supplies are low as it is and we can only use them on Hearthome residents, and… and… I'm sorry," Nurse Joy said bowing her head. The Pokemon looked around at each other nervously, but the Houndoom glared up at Nurse Joy. I noticed Drake was watching the scene as well. I looked over at him and he looked down at me. He shrugged his shoulders and shook his head.
"Please!" a voice suddenly bellowed. I looked back over at the other Pokemon and saw the Houndoom speaking. "He's my best friend! You have to help him, he's only just alive." Nurse Joy sobbed a little and backed away, her head still bowed and her shoulders shaking. Wait, I knew that voice. It was Kain's! …But… did he evolve? I looked over at the Houndoom as I stood up. The Houndoom looked over at me and locked eyes with mine. We stared at each other in stunned silence. I took a couple of steps towards him.
"Kain?" I asked.
"Yeah, it's me dad, but what are you-" I jabbed a thumb down the hallway next to me without taking my eyes off of him.
"Luna," I said, taking a few more steps towards him. "Hurt her paw." Nurse Joy looked between both of us.
"Is he your Pokemon Alex?" she asked. Was she talking about Kain, or the Poochyena on his back? Either way, I replied with a 'yes'. "Oh thank heavens. We need to get him to critical care, stat!" She pressed a button on her computer and a Chansey appeared with a small stretcher. Nurse Joy helped the Chansey move the small Pokemon from Kain's back to the stretcher. She zoomed him off down the hall, once again, leaving me standing there. Drake walked up behind me and looked at Kain.
"So you evolved," Drake said, more as a statement than a question. Kain nodded.
"How'd you do it?" I asked.
"Orin and I were having fun playing when his brother came out of nowhere. He's one of Malak's goons, actually he is his son."
"Whoa, his son?" Kain nodded.
"Yeah, Orin is Malak's son too, but they didn't want him, they threw him out. He's on our side, I promise. Well, so his brother came out of nowhere and attacked him." Kain paused for a moment. "I tried to defend him and ended up battling with him. I evolved and drove him off." Kain's story ended and silence followed. I noticed Kain's friends looking at me. I looked over at them as well, but they all averted my gaze.
Nearly an hour later, Luna emerged from the back along with Nurse Joy. Her paw looked fine, but she walked with a slight limp over to us. She hugged Drake and kissed him on the cheek, assuring him she was fine. She looked at Kain and smiled.
"Hello Kain, you look like you're doing well," she said.
"H-How did you know it was me?" Kain asked.
"Well, Aura reveals all Kain. You may have changed physically, but your Aura stays very much the same."
"So, you mean you can see people and know who they are by looking for their Aura?" Luna smiled.
"Well, if I really wanted to yes, but I just see normally most of the time. I could find anyone in a large crowded area if I wanted to, just by searching through all of the Aura life surrounding me." Kain looked awestruck, as did I. That seemed really cool. Nurse Joy walked up to me with her hands folded in front of her.
"The young Poochyena will be just fine," Nurse Joy informed me. "But how could you let that poor little Pokemon wander around on its own?" Nurse Joy asked me angrily. "In today's world, it isn't safe for such a young thing to be without its trainer." I couldn't do anything but sit there and take it. She continued on for another minute or two, telling me my responsibilities as a trainer and how I needed to be more careful. After she had finished, she bade us a good night and ushered us out of the Center.
We walked back through the darkened streets. Luna and Drake walked ahead of us, Luna clutching Drake's arm for added support. Kain walked beside me for once, instead of lagging behind. I noticed subconsciously that his strides were just like Karyme's and his tail flicked back and forth with every step he took, just like Karyme's did. He was built a little larger and his horns were thicker and raked farther towards the back of his head. He looked up at me. I smiled down at him and a weak grin tugged at his face as he looked back down again.
As we walked up to Kurt's house, Mytka opened the front door and let us inside. Her face looked confused as she watched the Houndoom stroll through the door.
"Hey Mytka," Kain said, a little disheartened. I could tell her mind was putting the pieces together just as I had.
"Kain?" she asked. Kain smiled up at her and nodded. The five of us made our way into the kitchen to eat our dinner. Kurt was sitting at the table, just finishing up his food. He greeted us cheerily and inquired about our day at the training facility. He showed concern for Luna's paw as we told him about it, but Luna assured him she was quite all right. Karyme entered the kitchen at that point and I smiled warmly at her.
"We made a soft bed for you in the other room," Karyme told Luna. Karyme looked at me and her face instantly brightened up. "I'm glad you're back Alex," she said with genuine happiness. Kain strode past me, right up to Karyme and nuzzled her neck affectionately.
"Hi mom," he said. Kain grinned at her before walking back over to Mytka to talk with her. Karyme looked at me, shocked beyond belief, with her mouth slightly open. I could tell from the look in her eyes, she was demanding that I tell her what had just happened. I shrugged looking just as confused as she was.
The night carried on, everyone eating dinner joyfully. It was late by now and it was bedtime. Luna took her soft bed graciously in the other guest room with Drake. Kain and Mytka told us they would be sleeping in the living room tonight on the sofas. They had talked the whole night and I guess they wanted to talk some more. Karyme, Ryo and I took the room we had slept in the previous night. We gave Ryo the bed and Karyme and I slid into our old sleeping bag. It was so warm and comfortable to be sleeping next to Karyme. Her naturally warm body and soft fur embraced me and helped me drift asleep. Karyme smiled as I wrapped my arms around her. She licked my cheek and tucked her head into my chest as we both slipped into the world of slumber together…
Kain
Kain awoke the next morning early. He picked his head up and yawned widely, blinking his eyes in the bright morning sun. He felt some pressure on his side and looked down to see what it was. He found Mytka resting her head on his side. Kain remembered back to last night. They had both fallen asleep on the couch together. He remembered that Mytka had asked Kain if she could sleep next to him to keep warm. Kain looked at her sleeping body, curled up next to his. She looked really cute to Kain while she slept. Kain tried not to disturb her as he slowly slid out from underneath her. Mytka's paws reached out and wrapped around his neck as he shifted slightly. Kain looked down at her and saw her eyes still shut as she slept on. As much as Kain liked Mytka's arms around him, he still slid out from underneath her. He set her head down gently so he wouldn't wake her. Kain wanted to head to the Pokemon Center to see Orin. He needed to know his best friend was okay. Kain looked at Mytka one last time. She was still all curled up and cute looking. Kain sighed and leapt out the same window he used yesterday morning. Kain trotted down the streets towards the Pokemon Center. He walked through the sliding doors and was greeted by a cheery Nurse Joy.
"Good morning. I assume you're here to see your friend?" Kain nodded at her. "He's in recovery at the moment. I'll show you to him, right this way now." With a very warm smile, she led him down the hall and into a small room. Orin was lying on his stomach in one of the soft beds. He was hooked up to the machines at the head of his bed. Wires protruded from his spine, legs and neck. These confused Kain, but he guessed they were to help Orin recover. Sunlight poured in through the window, making the clean floor glimmer. Orin's eyes were open and staring out the window. His face however looked down and depressing. It was almost as if he were looking out the window, just lost in the confusion of the world. Nurse Joy knocked to announce she was there. "You have a visitor, little one. Now isn't that just wonderful?" Orin looked over at Nurse Joy solemnly. "I'll leave you two alone now. Call if you need me." She bowed and left Kain at the door. Orin looked down at Kain, looking deep into his eyes. Despite Kain evolving, Orin could still tell it was him. Orin broke eye contact and turned his head the other way, looking out the window again without saying a word. Kain knew he would be mad at him, but he was determined to tell him how very sorry he was. Kain walked over and stood next to his bed.
"Hey O- Black Fang." Kain had almost said 'Orin'. He thought it was probably better to tell him he knew his real name later. Orin gave no notice that someone had said hello to him. He continued gazing out the window. Well, Kain thought, if there was any time to say it, it was now.
"Look, Black Fang. It was stupid what I did. I'm sorry for not believing you about Raleigh. I didn't realize what he was really like, what he'd do to me. I didn't know what I was thinking. But what I'm really sorry for is for betraying my best friend. I'd do anything to reverse what I did." Orin continued staring out the window. The eye that Kain could see turned to look at him slowly.
"It was a pretty shitty thing you did," Orin said. Kain stared into the single eye that was looking at him. It was Orin's, but it didn't feel like his. It was missing the friendly glint. "I can tell you are giving me the truth though, I've never seen you like this." Orin looked back out the window again. "But I'm not going to forgive you overnight Kain, just like that. You went too far this time." Kain opened his mouth to say something else, but closed it, knowing Orin had ended the conversation. Feeling defeated, he muttered goodbye before retreating from the room. With no more business being there, Kain left the Pokemon Center and headed for his friend's place. Kain never really noticed the city before. Kain looked at the people and Pokemon. They all looked happy, despite the dire situation they were in. They looked happy to be alive. They laughed as they walked down the streets. Kain gazed up at the ravaged buildings high above him. The sunlight bounced off of the glass and down upon Kain in a brilliant glow of yellow and warmth. It was as if Kain's senses had been numb this whole time and he was just now waking up to the world around him. As Kain continued walking, he started looking at all the people he passed. Some just walked by and others looked down at him with a smile. Kain stopped as he felt a tug on his tail. He turned around and was met with a young girl throwing her arms around his neck.
"Mommy mommy, look at the big Pokemon!" the little girl said. Kain felt a little uneasy. She was about a foot shorter than him and was hanging off of him as she hugged him. Kain didn't like to be touched by strangers and he would've thrown her off if she wasn't so young. "Mommy, can he be my Pokemon? Can he, can he?" A woman walked up to Kain and picked the small girl up into her arms. Kain sighed in relief to be free.
"Honey, you know better. That could be someone else's Pokemon," the mother said. She kissed her daughter on the cheek and began to walk off. She smiled down at Kain as a sort of apology before she disappeared into the crowd. Kain shook his head, thinking about how strange that situation just was. He kept on walking towards his friend's place. Kain had made up his mind over the course of the past few hours. He was going to tell everyone what really happened to him and Orin last night. With any luck, they might see how sincere he is with how very sorry he was. He rounded the final corner as the familiar alley came into sight. Sighing deeply, he ducked down through the hole and into the dim cellar. At first Kain thought it was empty, but then he heard a shuffle from the far corner. He looked over and saw the second room with the door. That door was always shut tight whenever Kain was here, because Diana and Kumori said they tried, but couldn't open it. Today, however, it was open. Kain went to go investigate and found Persia roaming among the room's contents. It was full of boxes, furniture and a lot of clutter. There was no pattern to the contents. It was all random things. Children's toys overflowed from one box, while the box next to it was full to the brim with tools. It was like this for the whole room, with random contents. Persia picked her head up and smiled at Kain, blushing a little.
"Oh, hi Kain. I didn't hear you come in."
"Hey Persia. Where is everyone else?"
"They said they were going to find food. Oh and they said they were going to see Black Fang or whatever." Persia looked Kain up and down slowly. "I heard you evolved. You look good." She looked at his rippling muscles beneath his skin and his thick legs and paws. "Really good," she added, her voice a little husky. Kain saw where she was going and instantly tried to steer out of treacherous waters.
"So how'd you get into this room then?" Persia frowned.
"Oh, I just forced the door open." Silence followed her words as they both stared around the room awkwardly. Kain spotted an old-fashioned couch and walked over to it. Its cushions were thick and the fabric was patterned with flowers. Kain leapt up onto the couch. It was unbelievably comfortable. Persia climbed onto the couch as well and settled herself down next to Kain, scooting right up next to him. Kain tried to put a little space between them but he was already on the edge of the couch.
"This is my favorite thing in this room. This is definitely where I'm going to sleep from now on," Persia said, looking up at Kain. Since he evolved, he was bigger than Persia was. Usually Kain had to look up at her, but now it was the other way around. Persia liked that. She liked that a lot. She licked her lips, still looking up into his face. Kain didn't notice this, as he was staring around the room at its contents. "So," Persia said seductively. "Would you like to take a nap right here?
"No thanks, I woke up just a few hours ago," Kain said, still looking at all of the clutter in the room.
"Oh are you sure? Aren't you feeling even a little sleepy?"
"No I'm really-," Kain started, turning his head to look at Persia. Kain's eyes were pulled into Persia's gaze. Her eyes were glowing a violent shade of purple, locking Kain in her gaze. The harder he tried to pull away, the more he stared, the sleepier he got. His eyelids drooped unwillingly and his body began to feel very heavy. In a matter of seconds, Kain was fast asleep.
"Oh my, you sure do look tired to me," Persia said as the purple faded from her eyes. "Goodnight Kain." She lay her head down against Kain's neck and fell asleep as well…
Alex
"Come on Scyther, let's pick it up!" John shouted. I grunted in disapproval. John had me training with a Schyther. We were sparring with his blades and my knife. Scyther, being an expert blades man, showed me ways to block and counter strike. Right now, Scyther was attacking and I was blocking. I was already moving as fast as I could, but now Scyther was moving even faster. "You got it Alex, keep up with Scyther's pace!" I grunted again, trying to stay coordinated enough to block all of his attacks. Sweat started to form on my brow. "All right, pick up the pace a little Scyther!" I gritted my teeth as Scyther's attacks came at me faster. Shit, I can't do this. A drop of sweat rolled down my forehead and fell into my eye. I blinked hard to try and clear it, but I took too long. Scyther's blade came swishing down and hit the handle of my knife, millimeters from my index finger. I lost my balance from the powerful attack and fell to the ground.
"Shit," I said, pushing my sweaty hair out of my face.
"I'm sorry if that was too much for you," the Scyther said, standing over me.
"You okay?" John asked, extending a hand to help me up.
"Yeah, I'm all right," I said, grasping his hand and standing up. I looked over to where I heard my knife clatter to the ground. All I could see were two distinct pieces. The blade and the handle, severed where Scyther's blade had hit it. I picked up both pieces in either hand and stared at them. My knife… It was broken and there was no way to repair it. I went through so much with this by my side and now it could be with me any longer. I grasped both parts in my right hand. No, I'll keep it with me. I slipped the blade back into its sheath and put it in my pocket along with the handle. I couldn't throw it out after all of the shit this little blade has pulled me out of.
"I apologize for breaking your weapon," the Scyther said from behind me. I turned around and tugged an unwillingly smile onto my face.
"Nah, it's all right, it's only a knife." The truth was that this knife was a part of me, the third most important thing in my life, following Karyme and Kain. Just the thought of using something else to defend myself tore at me.
"You know, we can get you a real combat knife now," John said. "Your knife looked like a hunting knife, not to good for real combat yuh' know." I nodded in false agreement. John disappeared into a side room and reappeared within seconds. He held a sheathed knife in his outstretched hands. The scabbard was made out of thick leather and colored a deep jet black. The handle was suede wrapped, burning a deep crimson red color. John handed me the weapon and grinned.
"This is our most standard knife. It should be an almost perfect match to yours." I pulled the blade out of the leather. The blade shape was similar to mine. On the top was a serrated edge and a small hook blade. It looked almost like a utility knife. Slipping the knife back into the scabbard, I looked up at John.
"This is great, thank you," I said, faking my smile. I pocketed the sheathed knife. "I'm just gonna run to the bathroom real quick." John nodded as I exited the building and set off for the bathrooms across the park. They were a separate building in a shaded area of the park. As I walked up to the building, I rounded the corner and once I was out of sight, I stopped. I pulled the knife out of my pocket and held it in my hand. I stared at it for a good minute. It didn't feel right. It didn't feel right in my pocket, it didn't feel right in my hand and it didn't feel right by my side. I felt lost without my old knife. What would I do in combat? Would I falter and let my guard down? Would my fighting still be the same? As all of these questions flew through my head, I became angrier and angrier that my old knife was finished. I gripped the knife hard in my hand and threw it against the wall of the bathrooms. It hit the wall and fell to the ground with a dull thud.
"Well, well, well. Somebody is angry," a voice said from behind me. I spun around and saw a woman and an Umbreon standing there. The Umbreon stared at me without blinking. He seemed absolutely determined to stare me down with his emerald green eyes. The woman just looked frightening to me. Her hair was all dishelved and messy, like she just got off of a motorcycle. Her clothes were tattered with rips and holes in them. She stood with her hand on her hip, giving me a triumphant smirk. She started walking towards me, the Umbreon following her like a shadow.
"So, you're the Alex kid, huh?" She was walking around me now, it felt very awkward. I could smell the distinct odor of wet fur on her. "Humph, looks like nothing special to me, but the Master wants him brought back, Reive," she said to the Umbreon. The Master… That could only mean one person. She worked for Malak. My eyes darted to the knife on the ground. If I could just get it, I'd be much better off. I edged towards it nonchalantly. The girl smiled as if she could read my mind, knowing what I was doing.
"Oh you won't be needing that now." She stepped in between me and the knife. The Umbreon stood next to her, watching my every move. I wasn't taking any chances. I curled my hand into a fist and threw it at her face. My fist was halted by an unseen force, inches from her cheek. A purple Aura surrounded my whole body so that I was unable to move or budge at all. The girl's eyes flashed a bright purple and I was thrown forcefully. My back slammed into the wall of the bathrooms. I gritted my teeth and grunted loudly as pain shot up my spine. In a flash, the girl was in front of me, pinning my arms to the wall. She was still wearing that triumphant smirk on her face. Her eyes were glowing bright purple and her hair was floating, as if she were in zero gravity. "Well, I guess you've decided you're not going to come along easily. No matter, Reive and I have more than enough power combined to bring you along with little effort." Shit, how would I overcome both of them at once? And this girl… She had psychic powers! This was going to be impossible. The girl's smile, widened even further. My thoughts came to a screeching halt as a brilliant light, followed by intense heat flooded my senses. The girl was thrown off of me as a powerful Flamethrower engulfed her. I looked over to see who my savior was and saw Karyme. Her face was livid, her eyes spitting its own fire. Her lips were curled back in a snarl, displaying every one of her razor sharp teeth. I locked eyes with her for a split second, her eyes becoming warm and loving as we did. They changed back to hatred as the Umbreon rose up. He snarled as well, rearing to attack Karyme. Karyme didn't back down, releasing an equally ferocious growl.
"No! Don't Reive," the girl shouted. She was just recovering from Karyme's attack, her voice hoarse from receiving such a strong blow. "Master specifically told us that he was our priority and we were not to harm the girl!" The girl picked herself up off of the ground. She glared at me. "Innocents will die for your selfishness." Leaving me still stunned with her words, she grabbed onto the Umbreon and disappeared in a very bright purple flash. I realized I was holding a breath in and let it out as I turned to look at Karyme. She hurried to my side as I bent down on one knee and hugged her. She licked at my cheek affectionately.
"Are you all right? You aren't hurt are you?" Karyme asked worriedly.
"I'm fine," I said with a smile. "Thanks to my girl." Karyme smiled back at me.
"Who was that? Do you know?" A frown came across my face as I remembered the girl who had appeared and disappeared so suddenly. What shocked me more was that she had used psychic attacks.
"I don't know," I said distantly…
Kain
Kain felt very warm and comfy as he came to. He cracked open his eyelids seeing shelves and boxes. The room, he thought. I was still in the room. He shut his eyelids again to try and remain in the blissful state he was in. He felt something moving against his side, but dismissed it as nothing. It was probably only Persia anyway… Wait, the room, Persia, and I'm waking up just now… Kain's eyes bolted open. He looked down and saw Persia's heavy lidded and seductive eyes gazing at him. Her body was leaning up against his.
"You look so cute when you're asleep and so sexy when you look at me like that," Persia said lustily. Kain tried to push her off, and stand up, but Persia rolled over on top of him. She purred lowly, her eyes still heavy lidded. "Where do you think you're going big boy?" Persia said giggling. "Don't you want to stay here and play with me?" One of her hind paws felt around and found Kain's fuzzy orbs, playing with and fondling them.
"No Persia, stop. Get off of me," Kain said calmly.
"Don't you want some of this?" Persia licked from the base of his neck, all the way up to his cheek.
"Get off of me!" Kain yelled. He shoved Persia over to the other side of the couch. He quickly stood up and left the small room. Persia tailed him.
"But baby, don't you love me?" Persia asked solemnly.
"Not like that Persia," Kain said angrily as he leapt out of the cellar, leaving Persia alone…
A dark and misty cavern, barren, save for the echoing yells, cries and screams bellowing from its depths, stood still as night drew. However at that moment, a girl and an Umbreon appeared out of thin air with a brilliant flash of purple light marking their entrance. They both hurried up the passageway, barely making any noise. Their path became blocked as a blackened figure draped in shadows stepped out in front of the two.
"Who's there?" the Umbreon asked.
"It's me, Blake," the figure said. Through the dim light, the two could make out a large Floatzel blocking their path. "I hope for your sake you bring good news, Master Malak isn't all too happy right now."
"We were, uhh… Unsuccessful," the girl said.
"I am sorry to hear that," Blake said. "Let us hope he won't retaliate too harshly." Blake turned around and led them down the passageway to a small antechamber. Yelling could be heard from the room and when they entered, they found Malak in a rage. "Master Raleigh has just returned, failed at his attempt to recruit young Kain," Blake whispered to the two following him. They watched as Malak yelled at the top of his lungs and smashed objects, rampaging violently. There probably wasn't a Pokemon within a quarter mile who couldn't hear his rage. "He isn't taking it too well…" Raleigh stood at the other end of the room, watching his father yell, scream and break things. He didn't even flinch as a shard of rock bounced off of his forehead. Malak finally wheeled around, realizing there were others in the room besides himself and his son. "Master Malak, I have brought-," Blake started, but was cut off by his master.
"You!" Malak thundered, glaring at Emily. Using his Agility, he was in front of her in a split second. His nose was inches from hers as he stared her down. "Where is he? Where is Alex?" Emily gulped in fear.
"My Master, he didn't want to come easily, so we used force, but his Houndoom mate stepped in and stopped us. We followed your specific orders to not harm the Houndoom." The most murderous look came across Malak's face and his tone was livid.
"Get out of my sight before I act upon my instincts and make sure not one bit of you remains to soil this ground that you stand upon," Malak said in a voice just above a whisper. Emily didn't even bother teleporting because she didn't think she would be able to as fear flooded her. She ran from the room, with Reive hot on her heels. Malak turned around and walked calmly over to where Raleigh was at. Blake followed cautiously, keeping a fair distance between them. "Both of our plans to get an upper hand on Alex have failed," Malak told them simply. "Alex is the only threat standing between me and my goal, he must be eliminated at all costs. We have something that he does not though and it shall be his downfall." Malak looked back at Blake. "Rally the pack, make sure everyone is there."
"Yes master," Blake replied with a bow. Blake turned around and a loud Screech echoed from his mouth. All around the cave systems, upper and lower, Pokemon's ears perked up, hearing the loud Screech. They knew what it meant, it was the 'Call.' As one, they followed the sound to the main cave chamber, in the very heart of Mt. Coronet. Nearly a quarter of an hour later, all of the Pokemon were gathered. Malak stepped out onto the raised platform to speak to all of his followers. He was greeted with a loud roar that died down nearly instantly when he began to speak.
"Every single soul in this room should remember today and mark it as the most important day to Pokemon. Tomorrow, you should all celebrate for years to come! Today marks the last day of the human's reign and the day that the Pokemon of this land finally take charge! For centuries, us Pokemon have been enslaved and used for their heinous reasons. Hard labor, using our overpowering strength to create luxuries for those humans, while we ate the scraps they threw away! While us Pokemon bowed before them and licked their feet clean! Our abilities, using our special powers to cater to their every want and desire. Mounting our very backs, using us as transportation because they cannot fly, they cannot swim, they cannot scale a mountain and they cannot run as fast as us. Using our Electric abilities to power their buildings, our Water powers to keep their bodies cool, our Fire attacks to keep them warm. Why? Don't you see it? Don't you see why we are better than they are? Because they cannot do the things we can!" Silence followed his words as he paused, before continuing in a serious and grave voice. "The blood of our fathers… The blood of our sons has been spilled for these vile creatures. No more!" Malak's voice rang throughout the cavern again before he continued. "But they do not realize the gravity of their situation. They are blind to all of the odds that are stacked against them! They cannot overpower us! They cannot match our strength!" A loud roar in approval rose from those words. "They cannot unleash the elements as we can!" Another loud roar echoed throughout the cave. "They cannot match our speed!" Another roar rang out. "They cannot and will not stop us! We shall rise, and a new era where Pokemon rule shall dawn!" The roar in the cavern became thunderous. "One thing that the humans definitely cannot match, are our numbers!" Every single one of the Pokemon in the room roared in approval. The chamber stretched into eternity and every single space was occupied by a Pokemon. They crowded the floor, rock and fighting Pokemon clung to the walls, flying Pokemon were perched on rock pillars, ghost Pokemon floated above the others on the floor and ground Pokemon burst from the very rock and dirt. Each and every one of these Pokemon were fighting capable, holding a place in Malak's grand force. All of them could and would take life from another. Each Pokemon roared, from the far reaches of the cavern all the way to the front, each adding to the drone of noise. Thousands upon thousands of Pokemon, rearing to rip, kill and destroy anything they were told to upon a single command of their master. Malak grinned viciously as he looked down at his bloodthirsty followers. At his army. "Now is the time! It is our right as Pokemon! Tonight we prepare and tomorrow," Malak cackled. Tomorrow, we rule!" Malak thundered above the droning roars in his loudest voice yet. Malak's grin stretched to his most evil smile yet. Nothing could even dream of stopping him now…
End Notes: Phew, long chapter huh? Well looks like you sure can expect some action next chapter! Oh and what I meant about spacing out updates is this. I can either keep updating like I am now, getting them out as soon as I can, but each update might be a month or two apart, or I can write until I estimate that I'll finish the story and release each chapter exactly a week apart so that you guys won't have to wait so long for updates. So it's either wait a month for an update or wait a couple months then release them every week. Leave your answer in a review or send me a PM. Anyway, please review as always! I have received great feedback from readers that helped me know what you guys approve of and disapprove of in my story. It really does help a lot. I will try and update more frequently, I'm not quitting this story! I will update ASAP. I'm sorry for the delays between the chapters, but I'm trying my hardest to get these out quickly! Thank you to everyone for reading and I hope to see you again next update!